Poland to invoke NATO article 4 amid Russia-Ukraine war: All you need to know about NATO articles 4 and 5

If a NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member state feels unprotected by a terrorist group or another nation, Article 4 of the NATO treaty is invoked.

The 30-member states started formal discussions on the threatened members' plea to regulate the situation. The danger is then discussed, along with potential remedies. Later, everyone agrees on a unanimous decision. However, Article 4 does not refer to reacting instantly.

The consultation process of NATO has been applied numerous times throughout history. NATO discussed the issue in Turkey a year ago when many Turkish soldiers were killed in a Syrian attack, but they took no action.

Differences between Articles 4 and 5 of the NATO

NATO used Article 4 when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
NATO members—Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Slovakia, Romania, Hungary, and Lithuania—discussed the matter.

The NATO Charter's Article 5 differs significantly from Article 4 in several ways. When any member state feels under attack, Article 5 is used. In that situation, it offers military assistance to all of the members.

The NATO Treaty only applies to NATO members. Since Ukraine is not a part of the alliance, it can neither use Article 4 nor Article 5.

FAQs

Is NATO's Article 5 ever used?
Until now, Article 5 has only been employed once. During the 9/11 attacks, Article 5 responded to an attack on the US by al-Qaeda. Following the US invasion, NATO sent military personnel to Afghanistan.

What happens if two NATO nations engage in a conflict?
When two NATO countries engage in a war, the NATO Treaty might apply. Accordingly, an attack on one NATO member should be viewed as an attack on all members.